Particle.news

CDC Issues Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Seychelles Over Chikungunya Outbreak

Health officials now emphasize vaccination for higher‑risk visitors following a rise in local cases since January.

Overview

  • The CDC posted the Level 2 advisory on Feb. 5 after confirming an outbreak of the mosquito‑borne chikungunya virus in Seychelles.
  • A Level 2 notice means travelers should practice enhanced precautions and it does not restrict or ban travel.
  • Officials advise using EPA‑registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and choosing screened or air‑conditioned lodging to avoid day‑biting Aedes mosquitoes.
  • The CDC recommends a single‑dose chikungunya vaccine for adults 18 and older at increased exposure risk, with pregnant travelers urged to discuss timing and vaccination with their clinicians.
  • Chikungunya typically causes fever and abrupt joint pain 3–7 days after a bite, most people recover within a week though some have prolonged joint pain, and the CDC is also tracking outbreaks in Cuba, Sri Lanka and Suriname.